Lord Truscott: My honourable friend the Minister of State for Science and Innovation (Malcolm Wicks) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	I have today given my approval for National Grid to construct a 196-kilometre gas pipeline from Felindre near Swansea to Tirley in Gloucestershire.
	In making my decision, I took into account the stringent requirements which have to be met when a major development is proposed in a national park. In this instance, part of the pipeline crosses the Brecon Beacons National Park and I have decided that the pipeline satisfies the criteria that such development should be in the national interest and that there is no other practicable route. I have also included stringent conditions to reduce and mitigate any impact on the park.